Ho-Ho-Oh-No! 5 Festive Fails to Dodge This Christmas (And What to Do About It)
19th Dec 2024
The festive season is all about joy, togetherness, and a touch of sparkle - but even the most carefully planned celebrations can take a turn for the worse with unforeseen and unwanted disasters - definitely not the jolliest of times! Whether it’s a kitchen disaster or winter weather wreaking havoc on your home, the holiday season brings its fair share of risks and headaches. Luckily, Harris Balcombe is here to help you navigate festive mishaps with ease, if the unfortunate does prevail.
In this blog, we’ll explore five common Christmas calamities, how to avoid them, and what to do if disaster strikes. From fire damage to frozen pipes, we’ve got you covered this festive season and beyond.
1. A Turkey That Sets Your Kitchen on Fire
You had one job: roast the turkey to golden perfection. But a distraction - whether it was the festive movie marathon or an overly ambitious glass of mulled wine - has turned your culinary masterpiece into a fiery disaster.
The risk: Kitchen fires are one of the most common holiday hazards. Leaving the oven or stove unattended, especially during marathon cooking sessions of umpteen dishes, can lead to fire and smoke damage that ruins more than just Christmas dinner. Even a small mistake can escalate into a costly disaster within minutes - don’t let a momentary distraction turn your festive joy into unnecessary stress.
How to avoid it a kitchen fire this silly season:
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking - especially if preparing a large meal.
- Always use a timer to keep track of what’s in the oven or on the stove, as it’s easy to get distracted amidst the Christmas chaos.
- Keep flammable items like tea towels, napkins and decorations far from the heat source to avoid accidental ignition.
- Check all cooking appliances are in good working condition. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for those unplanned emergencies.
If disaster strikes:
Should an unfortunate event of a fire occur, first and foremost call the fire brigade to ensure everyone’s safety. Once all the flames are extinguished, and you’ve got the green light that it’s safe to return into your property, contact your insurance agency to open a class. Remember to take photos and videos as evidence for your claim. Especially during the festive season, this may pose extra stress on the family, you can always get in touch with UK expert loss assessors such as Harris Balcombe who specialise in handling fire damage claims so you can focus on salvaging your Christmas while we deal with the paperwork.
2. Leaving the Heater Too Close to the Christmas Tree
There’s nothing more festive than the glow of a beautifully decorated tree adorned with all the lights, baubles and sentimental decorations. It’s the centrepiece of your Christmas cheer - until that glow turns from fairy lights into flames.
The risk: Christmas trees, especially real ones, bring so much warmth and cheer, yet they can pose a significant risk of fire if placed too close to heat sources like heaters, candles, or even faulty lights. When a tree catches fire, the flames can spread rapidly, engulfing the room and causing extensive damage to your home in a matter of minutes. Such incidents can turn a magical holiday setting into a dangerous and costly disaster.
How to avoid it:
- Place heaters at least a metre away from decorations and your Christmas tree.
- Use LED lights on your tree, as they stay cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Inspect your decorations for frayed wires or broken bulbs before use.
- Water your tree (if real) frequently to prevent it from drying out and being more combustible.
- Never leave candles burning unattended near flammable items.
If disaster strikes:
If the worst happens and a fire does occur, your first step should always be to ensure everyone’s safety and contact the fire brigade. Once the fire is under control, reach out to Harris Balcombe to help you navigate the aftermath. Our team of experts specialises in handling fire damage insurance claims, ensuring your case is managed efficiently and effectively. From assessing the damage to negotiating with insurers, we’ll handle the complex details so you can focus on restoring your home and returning to the festive spirit without unnecessary stress.
3. A Christmas Day Pub Trip Gone Wrong
Christmas Day and the days after often include a visit to the local pub for a festive drink or two. It’s a fun time, people start unwinding from the year and there’s a lovely buzz. But while you’re enjoying holiday cheer, leaving home with unattended ovens, candles, or Christmas lights could lead to unexpected damage when you least expect it.
The risk: Unattended appliances are one of the most common culprits behind home fires, especially during the holiday season when multiple devices and decorations are in use. A forgotten oven left on to keep food warm, a candle burning unattended, or an overloaded extension cord can quickly ignite a small spark that escalates into a full-blown catastrophe. Fires caused by unattended appliances can spread rapidly, leading to extensive damage to your home and belongings, and turning your festive celebrations into a stressful ordeal.
How to avoid it:
- Double-check that all appliances are switched off before leaving home and when finished using them.
- Use smart plugs or timers to automate devices, ensuring they turn off even if you forget.
- Blow out candles before stepping out, no matter how quick the trip.
- Use battery-powered LED candles that mimic the glow of real candles to avoid any fire hazards.
If disaster strikes:
Should the worst happen despite your best efforts over the festive period, it’s important to act quickly and effectively. Ensure everyone’s safety and contact the fire brigade immediately. Once the situation is under control, reach out to Harris Balcombe with your house fire insurance claim. Harris Balcombe can help you recover from accidental damage claims, making the process as smooth as possible while you focus on keeping your holiday spirits high.
4. Frozen Pipes and Flooded Floors
Freezing winter weather can transform your home into a winter wonderland - but frozen pipes aren’t part of this magical fantasy. If left unchecked and neglected, freezing temperatures can cause burst pipes, leading to extensive water damage to your property.
The risk: Burst pipes are a winter nightmare that can cause tremendous damage to your home, creating festive chaos, not cheer! It can ruin floors, walls, and furniture, as well as cause structural damage when it seeps through. Worse still, many homeowners don’t realise there’s a problem until the damage is extensive leading to a costly, disrupted holiday season.
How to avoid it:
- Insulate your pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures especially those which are exposed or in unheated areas.
- Keep your heating on at a low level, even if you’re away.
- Check for vulnerable pipes for signs of leaks in unheated areas like lofts and basements.
If disaster strikes:
A flooded home is no way to spend Christmas, but Harris Balcombe can step in to manage water damage claims. From assessing the damage to dealing with your insurer, we’ll help you get your home back to normal. We will help you get your home restored as quickly as possible, while you focus on drying out, regrouping, and getting your Christmas celebrations back on track.
5. The Great Christmas Break-In: theft during Christmas
The festive season is prime time for burglars whilst families are in and out. With homes full of gifts and many families visiting loved ones, empty properties become easy targets unfortunately.
The risk: Burglars often strike when they know properties are empty—whether you’re visiting family for the day, out for an evening Christmas party, or away on a holiday break. They don’t just steal gifts or valuable goods; they take sentimental items that can never be replaced and leave behind a sense of vulnerability that’s difficult to shake. The emotional toll of a break-in can be just as significant as the financial loss, robbing you of your peace of mind at what should be a happy time of year.
How to avoid it:
- Install security cameras and motion-activated lights around your property to deter any unwanted intruders.
- Don’t advertise your absence on social media as it can signal an empty home.
- Use smart locks and timers to give the illusion that someone’s home whilst turning lights on and off at different times.
- Don’t leave your curtains of blinds open for bulgars to peek inside while you’re not around.
- Ask neighbours to park their cars on your property if this is an option.
- Ask your neighbours to do your bins so they’re not left on the curb for extended periods indicating you’re not around.
If disaster strikes:
If your home becomes a target for burglars despite your precautions, Harris Balcombe is here to support you through the aftermath. Theft-related claims can be complex, but our team of experts will handle the entire process, ensuring your insurance policy works in your favour. From assessing the loss to negotiating with insurers, we’ll manage the details so you can focus on recovering and restoring your sense of security.
Why Choose Harris Balcombe?
When festive disasters strike, Harris Balcombe’s team of loss assessors is your trusted partner. With decades of experience handling fire damage, water damage, and theft claims, we ensure you receive the settlement you deserve without the hassle, especially during when it’s meant to be festive and fun.
Our promise to you:
- Comprehensive festive insurance claim management from start to finish.
- Expert advice tailored for your winter property disaster.
Don’t Let Festive Fails Ruin Your Christmas
Preparation and vigilance can help prevent many holiday mishaps and to ensure holiday home safety, but when the unexpected happens, Harris Balcombe is here to help. From house fire insurance claims to managing winter property disasters, we take the stress out of insurance claims so you can focus on what matters most - enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.
Contact us today or Start your Claim to find out how we can help you handle life’s unexpected twists this festive season.
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